Judith Hill is the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter from LA who has worked with iconic artists including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Michael Jackson. Performing at Quaglino’s and 100 Wardour Street over two entertainment filled nights the singer will take guests on a musical journey featuring a bit of R&B, Pop, Jazz, and Gospel, including tracks from her debut album, ‘Back In Time,’ (produced by the one and only Prince and Judith herself) and her recent sophomore album, ‘Golden Child’.
Judith, who wrote her first song at the very young age of four, is a Grammy award-winning artist who has opened for acts including Josh Groban, John Legend and Prince both in the USA and the UK. She also features on the soundtrack and in one of the stories told in director Morgan Neville’s 2013 film ’20 Feet From Stardom’, a project which delves into the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. The film won the Film Critics Award for Best Documentary and an Academy Award for Best Documentary. The film also won the 2015 Grammy for Best Music Film. Judith has also featured in Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ and season 4 of ‘The Voice’ in the US.
Judith’s album ‘Golden Child’ is linked to her musical production of the same name which premiered in December 2018 and is described as a “funk live concert-meets-ballet” which celebrates diversity and cultures coming together. It features a cast of dancers representing different parts of the world. Judith says of the project, “‘Golden Child’ was inspired by the division in our nation right now, as well as by my experiences as a biracial artist.”
Neon Music caught up with Judith Hill prior to her London shows:
How would you describe your sound to new listeners?
Classic soul/funk
Tell me about your latest album ‘Golden Child’
‘Golden Child’ is my sophomore album. It’s a coming of age album that journeys through my life starting from the beginning with feel-good songs like “You Can’t Blame Me” and “Pepper Club” and goes into deeper waters with “Hey Stranger” “Irreplaceable Love” and “I Can Only Love You By Fire”. All the while, spreading hope and painting a picture of what this world would look like without hatred in songs like “Golden Child” and “We Are One”
You were born into a musical family – what is your earliest music memory?
I wrote my first song at age four. It was a gospel song called “God Has Made”. I still have the recording.
What can we expect from your shows at Quaglino’s and 100 Wardour Street?
You can expect to be taken on a journey. Psychedelic energy and a funk extravaganza!!
How did you feel at such an iconic moment in your life singing the lead on ‘Heal The World’ at Michael Jackson’s memorial service?
Bittersweet. Very sad day but also a very moving moment watching the children sing and feeling how powerful his music touched the whole world. They all come together to honor him and it was beautiful.
What have been your greatest achievements?
My stage play “Golden Child” was quite an undertaking. One achievement I’m very proud of for 2018. It was premiered in December as a charity to raise money for underprivileged youth in LA.
What are the challenges you find being in the music industry?
You have to create your own path in a massive cyber world…..that can be overwhelming. But at the same time, it’s great to be able to have control and direct access to your fans.
You have worked with and met some renowned artists – is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet but would like to?
I like working with unsung heroes and people who are crazily talented but not very many people know about them.
Your favourite up and coming music artist is?
Anderson Paak, Eryn Allen Kane, Marcus King, and many more
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m good at softball!
Guilty pleasures?
Foot massages and Korean BBQ
Who would play you in a movie and why?
I would have to play myself. As a Blasian chick, there’s not many of us.
What advice would you give for artists just starting out?
Make a lot of music and perform a lot!!! Until your identity is undeniable.
What’s next for Judith Hill?
Heavy tour schedule for 2019. But also working on more shows for my stage play “Golden Child” as well as other collaborations in the studio. More announcements later to come this year!!
Judith Hill will be performing one-off shows at Quaglino’s on January 15th and 100 Wardour St on January 16th.
